Islam

Question 1

Imam

Answer 1

“Leader,” “Model”, in a general sense, one who leads Muslim worshippers in prayer. In a global sense, imam is used to refer to the head of the Muslim community.

Question 2

Ummah

Answer 2

Refers to the whole Muslim world, or the community of believers. As a theological concept, the ummah is meant to transcend national, racial, and class divisions to unite all Muslims.

Question 3

Qur’an

Answer 3

The central religious text of Islam is believed to be the word of Allah revealed to Muhammad.

Question 4

Madrassah

Answer 4

The Arabic word for an educational institution for any kind of learning. Often used to refer to an Islamic religious school or a school with courses in Islamic theology and religious law.

Question 5

Mosque/Masjid

Answer 5

A place of prayer for followers of Islam.

Question 6

Muhammad

Answer 6

The Arab prophet and founder of Islam who, according to the religion, was the last messenger of Allah.

Question 7

Muslim

Answer 7

A person who believes in or practices the Islam religion.

Question 8

Ramadan

Answer 8

The ninth month of the Islamic calendar, during which Muslims fast from sunrise to sunset. It commemorates the transmission of the Koran by the archangel Gabriel to Muhammad.

Question 9

Salat

Answer 9

The Arabic word for prayer. Usually refers to the ritual prayer performed five times daily at specific times; the second pillar of Islam.

Question 10

Sawm

Answer 10

An Arabic word for fasting; the act of total abstinence from food, liquids and sexual relationships from dawn to sunset, for one lunar month.

Question 11

Shahada

Answer 11

The declaration of belief in the singularity of Allah and the prophethood of Mohammed; one of the five pillars of Islam.

Question 12

Sharia

Answer 12

The laws of Islam derived from the Koran and from the teachings and example of Muhammad that regulate the spiritual and secular actions of Muslims.

Question 13

Shi’a

Answer 13

The second largest denomination of Islam after Sunni Islam. Shia Muslims believe that the rightful successor to Muhammad after his death was his son-in-law Ali.

Question 14

Sufi

Answer 14

A mystical branch of Islam that emphasizes self-denial as a means of communion with god.

Question 15

Sunnah

Answer 15

A collection of Muhammad’s words and deeds during his lifetime.

Question 16

Sunni

Answer 16

The largest branch of Islam. Sunni Muslims believe the first four successors to Muhammad after his death were the rightful leaders and not his son-in-law Ali

Question 17

Sura

Answer 17

One of the sections of the Koran, which are traditionally arranged in order of decreasing length. The Koran contains 114 suras.

Question 18

Tafsir

Answer 18

Interpretations of the Koran by Islamic scholars; the Arabic word for exegesis or commentary.

Question 19

Tawhid

Answer 19

The central Islamic doctrine that dictates there is no other god but Allah.

Question 20

Zakat

Answer 20

The giving of alms or contributions to charity as an act of worship, usually about 2.5 percent of one’s annual wealth given mainly for the benefit of the poor and the needy. One of the five pillars of Islam.

Question 21

Janazah

Answer 21

The Arabic term for a funeral ceremony in Islam.

Question 22

Salat al-Janazah

Answer 22

The specific prayer performed during the Islamic funeral ceremony. It is a collective prayer offered for the deceased.

Question 23

Ghusl

Answer 23

The ritual washing of the deceased’s body before burial. It is an important purification process performed by family members or designated individuals.

Question 24

Kafan

Answer 24

The shroud in which the deceased is wrapped before burial. It is a simple, white cloth used to cover the body.

Question 25

Jannah

Answer 25

The Arabic term for paradise or the eternal abode of the righteous in the afterlife. Muslims believe that a person's ultimate destination depends on their faith and deeds.

Question 26

Barzakh

Answer 26

The intermediary stage between death and the Day of Judgment. It is believed that the deceased will reside in Barzakh until the final resurrection.

Question 27

Dua

Answer 27

Prayers and supplications offered during the funeral ceremony, asking for forgiveness, mercy, and peace for the deceased.

Question 28

Takbir

Answer 28

The proclamation of "Allahu Akbar" (God is the Greatest) during the funeral prayer. It serves as a reminder of the greatness of God and the temporary nature of worldly life.

Question 29

Taziyah

Answer 29

The act of offering condolences to the bereaved family members and friends. It involves visiting and comforting the family during their time of grief.

Question 30

Mayyit

Answer 30

The deceased person.

Question 31

Zina

Answer 31

The Arabic term for adultery or fornication. It refers to engaging in any sexual activity outside the bonds of marriage.

Question 32

Nikah

Answer 32

The Islamic marriage contract. It is a formal agreement between a man and a woman to enter into a lawful and recognized marital relationship.

Question 33

Awrah

Answer 33

The private parts of the body that should be covered in front of others, except for one's spouse or close family members. It encompasses the area from the navel to the knees for men, and the entire body except for the face and hands for women.

Question 34

Haya

Answer 34

The concept of modesty and shame in Islamic sexual ethics. It involves behaving and dressing in a modest manner and avoiding indecent or immodest actions.

Question 35

Tawbah

Answer 35

Repentance or seeking forgiveness for engaging in prohibited sexual activities. It involves acknowledging one's mistake, feeling remorse, and making a sincere intention to refrain from such actions in the future.

Question 36

Ghayrah

Answer 36

Protective jealousy or honor in relationships. It encourages individuals to safeguard their spouses' modesty and chastity, promoting fidelity and respect within marriages.

Question 37

Iddah

Answer 37

The waiting period a woman must observe after divorce or the death of her husband before she can remarry. It ensures clarity of lineage and allows for the possibility of reconciliation or mourning.

Question 38

Hayl

Answer 38

The concept of legal consent in Islamic sexual ethics. It emphasizes the importance of obtaining explicit and voluntary consent from one's spouse before engaging in sexual activities, promoting mutual respect and dignity within marital relationships.